Individual electric call apparatus



(No Model.) 4 sheets-sheet 1. A. P. HOWES.

INDIVIDUAL ELEGTRIO CALL APPARATUS. N0. 298,383. Patented MaJy lB, 1884.

NI PETE-RS. Phomlilhographar, Walhingion. DI r.

4 SheetsSheet 2.

(No Model.)

A. P. HOWES.

INDIVIDUAL ELECTRIC CALL APPARATUS.

PatentedMay 13, 1884.

v u n \MZTNESEEE .1. INK/ENTER N. PETERS PMIWI-ilhagnpher. Wnhingwn. B, C.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

A. P. HOWES. INDIVIDUAL ELECTRIC CALL APPARATUS.

No. 298,388. Patented May 13, 1884.

N, PETERS. Phwlo-Lllhagnphar, Wadfingiou, an

LII

llnirnn STATES PATENT @rrien.

ALBERT P. HOW'ES, OF \VOROESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

INDIVIDUAL ELECTRIC CALL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 298,383, dated May 13, 1884.

Application filed March 22, 1883. '(No model.)

To all whom; it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT P. Howns, of \Vorcester, in the county of 'Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Individual Electric Call or Signal Apparatus; and I declare the following to be a description of my said invention sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

The primary object of my presentinvention is to provide a practical and efficient electric call or signal apparatus adapted for'sounding individual calls on lines embracing several intermediate stations, or for calling any particular station without giving the signal or alarm at stations other than the one designated, said apparatus being applicable to telephone-lines for subscribers signal-bells, and for other signaling purposes where a number of outlying stations are to be signaled from a central station; also, for-signaling from a local station to the central station without sound ing the call at other local stations; also, to afford means for indicating when the motor requires winding. I attain these objects by mechanism organized for operation substantially as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and herein described, the particular subjectmatter claimed being hereinafter definitely specified.

In the drawings, Figure 1 represents a front view of my improved electrical individual call apparatus. Figs. 2, 3, and 4 represent detached views of parts in connection with the operating-shaft. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus, some of the parts being shown in section. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the operating-shaft and indicator-wheel, with diagramlines showing its different positions corresponding with the several station signals. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view looking from the side of the apparatus. Fig. 8 is-a sectional view showing the inner side of the wind ing-door closed. Fig. 9 is a front view of a portion of the case, showing the windingdoor opened. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the connections or short-circuit of the local generator or battery when said generator is located between the apparatus and central station; and Fig. 11 is a similar diagram illustrating the circuits with the apparatus connected between the generator and central station.

In referring to the drawings, A denotes the case for inclosing the mechanism and protecting it from injury.

13 indicates a mechanical train operated by a weight, a spring, or other equivalent power for imparting motion to a shaft, b, carrying the circular electrodes, and the shaft 0, carrying the governorfan G. which latter also acts as a stop for the mechanical train.

D indicates the ratchet-wheel for bringing the station-indicating electrode into contact position with the signal-circuit electrode. Said wheel D is mounted on an axis or spindle, D, arranged in upright position, or in an opposite direction to the shaft b, so that the planes of action of the two electrodes cross or intersect each other at right angles, or nearly so. Thus their arcs of movement intersect or give possible contact only at a single position. The spindle D is mounted in bearings fixed on a suitable base-plate, D", and is furnished with a spring, (2, for returning the wheel D to its normal position when released by the actuating parts.

E denotes the station-indicating electrode, consisting of a spring or arm adjustably connected with the wheel D, to be set at a relative position of peripheral adjustment corresponding with the station number, signal, or call to be given by a particular instrument. The arm E occupies a different relative position on the wheel D in the apparatus at each of the stations on aline, and the several positions of adjustment correspond with the number of ratch ets or teeth 6 on the side of the wheel, so that a given number of ratchet-strokes are required to bring the electrode E to the position of contact for closing the signal-circuit according with the station-number.

F indicates an electro-magnet in the main line, and provided with a swinging armature, F, carrying a pawl, f, which engages the teeth 0 of the wheel D and effects the rotation of said wheel to the extent of a ratchet-tooth at each impulse imparted to the magnet by an electric current,0r by closing the main-line circuit at the central station. The pawl f is returned to position for taking another tooth of theratch et-wheel D on breaking the circuit by means of a suitably-arranged spring, the wheel being meanwhile retained by the dropbar h, which falls between the teeth.

On the shaft b is mounted a segmental electrode, G, having a peripheral surface of about one-fourth of a circle, more or less, which is revolved by the action of the mechanical train, to give contact with the end of the electrode E when the latter is swung into its plane of revolution, the contact being effected by the wiping of the peripheral surface of the segment across the end of the spring-arm, thus insuring a perfect electrical connection.

On the same shaft, 1), is mounted a circular electrode or disk, I, having a recess, 2', at one side, (see Fig. 2,) which by revolution makes and breaks contact with the spring-electrode, I, supported on the post 1 so that it will bear on the peripheral surface of the disk except at the space or recess i. The post I is connected by suitable conductor with the line H from the local generator or battery at the station where the apparatus is located, and the electrodes I and I, with their connections, serve for short-circuiting the local current, as hereinafter more fully explained. A guard wheel or disk, J, (see Fig. 3,) is also mounted on shaft b, which operates in connection with a lever or group of levers, K, for regulating the action of the mechanical train. Said guard-wheel J is provided with a single notch,

5 j, at one side, into which the end of lever K falls to permit the stopping of the train.

A suitable spring or weight may be connected with the lever K, for pressing its end forward toward the face of the disk and into the notch j. Lever K is fulcrumed at k on the motor-frame,and has a rod or arm, K, extending up to a position where its end can engage the fan 0, as indicated. At 0 the edge of the fan 0 is recessed or cut away, so it can pass the end of the rod or lever K when the latter is moved to a position corresponding with said recess. Another branch of the lever K extends around beneath the ratchet-wheel, D, for engagement with an arm, L, fixed to and swinging with the spindle D of the ratchetwheel D, and which arm L, on the first movement of the ratchet, strikes theofi'set m and serves to swing back the upper end of the lever Kiuro the recess 0', thereby permitting action of the mechanical train and revolution of theshaft b,with its electrodesG and I. The notch j permits the lever K K to swing forward and arrest the movement of the mechanical train when the shaft b has completed one revolution. The extended end of the lever K obviates any liability of said lever getting above the arm L in case the lever throws forward for stopping the train B before the ratchet-wheel D is released to return to its normal position.

Near the rear end of shaft 22 is a cam or finger, M, (see Fig. 4,) that engages with and operates the castoff devices for releasing the ratchet-wheel D from action and permittingit to return'to its normal position. These castoii' devices consist of a rocker, N. having an arm n that engages the cam or finger M, and a lever, N, that swings up beneath the pawl f and raises it from the ratchets 0, together with the drop'leveror locking-bar h, thus entirely releasing the wheel, so that the spring d revolves it back to place. The wheel D is provided with suitable stops orguards to prevent it from rotating too far in either direction.

0 indicates the electro-magnet for operating the signal devices or striker p of the bell P, which may be arranged in the manner illus trated, or in other convenient manner, a sight or a sounding signal being employed, as required. The helices of the magnet O are included in a branch of the ma n-circuit line between WV and NV. The mechanical train, the ratchet-wheel, with its supporting parts, and the electrode-post Pareseverally insulated from each other, except when the electrodes are moved into contact by the operation of the apparatus. The arms L and n are also insulated at their points of connection with their supports.

For establishing the necessary currents through the apparatus to effect its operation, the various conductors are connected as follows, the term "111 being used to signify the direction from the apparatus toward the central station, and the term out to signify the opposite direction, or toward the end of the line farthest from the central station: The main line in is attached atWV and out at WV. These points are connected through w w to include the electromagnet F. The shaft 1) or mechanical train B is connected at o to the in line NV, and the segment G and disk I serve as electrodes for this conductor. The ratchetfwheel D or its frame D is connected by a conductor, a, with the vibrator or armature P of the magnet O, and thence, by way of the back contact R and wires .10 w, to the outward main line \V, including in the circuit the electro-magnct O, by which the bell or signal device is actuated. The arm E serves as an electrode for the circuit. The post I is connected by conductory with the line H, leading from the local generator or battery, and the spring 1 serves as an electrode for this circuit. \Vhen the local generator or battery is situated between the apparatus and the central station, the wire H should lead from the point H to the inward wire of the local generator; but when the apparatus is between the local generator and central station, then the wire B should lead to the outward wire of such generator; or, in other words, the local generator or battery should in all cases be located between the call apparatus and the connecting-point at which the wire H makes contact with the main-line wire, so that the generator mechanism will ICO lie within a circuit from H to \V or from H to W, as the case may be. (See Diagrams Figs.

10 and 11.)

For closing circuits at the central station to give signals, any key or device will be sufficient, it being necessary to simply make and break the circuit, and to have the current of sufficient strength to work the armatures on the electromagnets F and 0. Positive or negative currents in any degree of intensity may be employed with this apparatus.

For designating when the mechanical train is to be wound up, an annunciator or door, S, is arranged in the front of the case A, to be automatically released and swung open by the mechanism. In the present instance this door S is hinged at its lower end, and is retained closed by a latch, 16, and spring 25. An arm or trippiece, T, is arranged in connection with the winding stop V of the key arbor V, which forces the spring it from the latch tas said stop approaches its final position, and permits the door to fall by gravity or be pressed open by the aid of a spring, 8. The trip T retains the spring t at side position so long as the train continues unwound, so that the door S will not remain closed until the train is again wound up. The devices are preferably adjusted to open the door S some little time before the train becomes absolutely run down, so as to allow a margin of time for winding. The doorway serves as the opening for introducing the key to the winding-arbor V. After the train has been wound up, and the door S closed, it is not in condition to be again opened from the exterior, and will properly remain closed until the train has again run down sufficiently to throw off the latch 25 by the trip T.

For the operation of sending a call or signal from the central station, the attendant strikes the key or circuit-closer a number of strokes corresponding with the number of the station desired, and holds in the current on the last stroke for a time sufficient to enable the revolving electrode G to reach the position of contact with arm E some two seconds, more or less. The magnet F, attracting the armature F, draws forward the pawl f, moving the wheel D and arm L. The latter, by striking lever K at m, throws the end of rod K into the recess 0 releasing the fan, and permitting the mechanical train to start and revolve the shaft 1), which swings the electrode G into contact with the arm E, if adjusted for the particular call,) thereby establishing the circuit from V to W by way of the conductors o u w, including the coil 0, which, being of less resistance than the coils F, receive a portion of the current sufficient to operate the signal or sound the call-bell P. When the shaft 1) has nearly completed its revolution, the cam or finger M engages the arm 42-, thereby raising the lever N, which casts off the pawl f and drop-bar h from the ratchet-wheel D, and the spindle D. with the wheel D, arm L, and electrode E are immediately returned to their normal position by the action of the spring d. The notch j I of the guard-wheel J, coming beneath the end of lever K, permits the lever K to drop forward and engage the fan 0 as soon as the arm n has dropped from the cam M, thus leaving the mechanism in a state of rest, in normal position, to be again set into action by another impulse through the magnet F. The electro-magnet F and swinging armature F effect the movement of the ratchet-wheel D and electrode E one step or space at each electrical impulse. (See positions of action 1 23 4 5 6 7 indicated on Fig. 6.) Hence the arms or electrodes E for the several stations are adjusted at such position of the periphery on their wheels D that a given number of impulses (corresponding with the number of the station) will bring the electrode E in line with the electrode G. Thus, for instance, for station 3 three movements or steps are required, and the key or circuit-closing device must give three impulses or electrical currentwaves to bring the electrode E at station 3 into contact position. Three impulses will carry the electrodes E of the apparatus at stations 1 and 2 past the position of contact, while it will be insufficient to bring the electrodes at station 4 and numbers above up to the contact position; consequently the signaling-circuit through the electro-magnet 0 will be closed only at station 3, and the signal or call will therefore be given only at that station, although the ratchet-wheels and mechanical trains at all of the stations will be started into action and will perform their revolutions and return to a position, but without contact of their electrodes E and G.

The operation of sending calls from a local station to the central station actuates the mechanism in similar manner to the impulse from the central stationthat is, the electrical impulse from the local generator starts each apparatus on the line, advancing the ratchet and electrode E one step or moreybut the giving of the alarm or signal at any of the other local stations is prevented by the action of the disk I and electrode 1, which, immediately upon the starting of the mechanical trains, makes contact and short-circuits the current upon the local generator giving II5 I the call, owing to the greater distance and resistance of the long main line in excess of the distance and resistance through the local circuit closed by the electrodes I I, thus cutting out the current from the main line before the electrodes G and E of the several station-instruments have reached their positions of contact, so that when contact occurs if it should occur-there is no current on the line to work the armatures of the signal-actuating magnets 0, hence no action of the signal devices. The ratchets and mechanical trains of all the instruments at the several stations are synchronous at the start, but need not necessarily run synchronously to effect practical results. The

ratchets and trains will of their own imme line.

diate action return to their proper normal position, which is one of rest and unison, when disturbed by a cross on the lines, or by any other. causes, and this, too,within about three seconds of the disturbance. Should the cross occur with a live wire, or one giving a continuous current, the disturbance would not cause a continuous ringing of the bells at the several stations. but would simply once sound the signal at station 1, after which the trains and ratehets would return to their normal positions, and there remain so long as the current from the crossed wire remained on the This feature of quick returns to the nominal position of quiet unison and rest is of much importance, as it insures the working condition and readiness of the mechanism for receiving calls, and also avoids annoyance by accidental and continued sounding of the bell or the liability of disarrangement of the signals.

Among the advantages incident to my improved individual call or signal mechanism, it maybe mentioned that no special apparatus is required at the central station, as any key or device that will open and close a circuit will effect the desired result and operate the sig nals with facility. The apparatus may be used with both or either positive or negative current, as there are no polarized armatures used. Neither is any special intensity of current required, providing it has a sufficient strength to operate the armatures of the magnets. The contact surfaces of the electrodes are kept bright by their mechanical action against each other, and there is no liability of their deteriorating by corrosion. The time required for making calls is much less than with ordinary apparatus, as in the present instance only three seconds or less are required for the shaft to make its revolution; consequently the call can be repeated in three seconds or less time. It is not essential that the mechanisms at the several stations should run synchronously, as they will operate equally well with quite a margin of variation, provided the current is heldin for a length of time suiiieient to permittheslowest-runningapparatusto act. Synchronous action not being required, the necessity for extreme nicety of workmanship,

delicacy of construction, 6r accuracy of adjustment is thus avoided, and the instruments are rende red much less liable to derangement.

It will be observed that the mechanical train is operated without escapement devices other than the stop'bar K, its speed being simply regulated by the revolving fan 0, so that said train operates with speed and force sufficient to make quick revolutions of the shaft 1) and to easily overcome retarding influences. Thus I am enabled to work the counter-electrodes as flat springs, having a wiping action on the pe ripheral surfaces of the disk-electrodes, and to give them any d sired degree of contact-pressure without liability of setting the mechanical train so that it will not start readily.

WVhat I claim as of my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is g 1. In an individual electric call or signal apparatus, the combination of an oscillating or rotating electrode actuated by electric impulses indicating the signal-number, and arevolving electrode mechanically operated for closingthe signal-operatingcircuit, said electrodes moving in planes or ares that cross or transversely intersect with each other,whereby contact of the electrodes is effected at a single position, and means for electrically starting said revolving electrode, as hereinbefore set forth.

2. In an electrical individual call apparatus, the combination of an adjustable electrode electro-magnetically controlled for changing position in accordance with electrical impulses sent over the line, a mechanically-operated electrodeadapted to move transversely to or across the arc of motion of said adjustable electrode, and at one position to make contact therewith for closing the circuit of an electrical signaling device, and means for electrically starting the mechanism into action and for mechanically stopping the apparatus when the parts and electrodes are at a normal position, as set forth.

3. In an electric-call apparatus, the combination, substantially as hereinbefore described, of aratchet-wheel carrying an adjustable electrode-arm operated by electrical impulses through the aid of an electro-magnet, swinging armature, and pawl, as set forth, and a mechanical train carrying a revolving electrode adapted to swing into contact with said electrode-arm for closing the signal-actuating circuit, and means for starting the mechanical train with the action of the ratchetwheel mechanism, and for releasing the ratchet and stopping the apparatus by action of the mechanical train, as set forth.

4. The electro-magnet F, the swinging armature F, carrying the pawl f, the ratchetwheel D, and the spring (1, for moving the arm or electrode E by and in accordance with elec trical impulses through said magnet, in the manner set forth, in combination with the segmental electrode G, mounted upon a shaft, 1), in transverse position thereto, the mechanism forstarting, stopping, and revolving said shaft, signaling devices, and electrical conductors arranged in connection therewith, substantially as described.

5. The guard-wheel J, lever K K K and arm L, in combination with the mechanical train and ratchet-wheel spindle, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The cam M, arm a, rocker N, and castoff lever N, in combination with the mechanical train, ratchet-wheel D, arm h, and pawl f, for the purposes of releasing said ratchet devices, substantially as set forth.

7. In an electrical call apparatus, the combination, with actuating mechanism, of a retating recessed disk-electrode in circuit with the main line, mounted to revolve into contact with a spring or electrode having a conductor leading to the local generator or battery, for the purpose of short-circuit'ing said local generator, substantially as set forth.

8. The disk I, having recess i, mounted to revolve with the mechapical train and electrically connected with the main line, in combination with thespring-electrode I, supported at stationary position and joined by a conductor with the local generator, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The combination, with the mechanical train and an electrical call or signal apparatus, of an inclosing-case having a guard or door located in front of the winding-arbor of said train, a latch device for retaining said door closed, and a latch-tripping device controlled by said mechanical train, for automatically releasing said latch, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In an electric call apparatus, the coinbinatiomwith the mechanical train and its inclosing-case, of the guard or door for protecting the winding-arbor, provided with automatic latch or fastening devices located at the interior and inaccessible from the exterior of the case, and the latch-tripping mechanism controlled by the mechanical train, and operating in connection with said door and its fastenings, in the manner set forth, whereby said door is retained closed until the time for winding the train, and its closure then resisted until the train is again wound up.

11. The combination, with the key-arborV and annunciator or doors S, of the windingstop V, provided with the tripping-arm T, the latch-spring t and catch 25, and the pressure-spring S, substantially as and for the purposes shown and described.

12. In an individual call-signal apparatus, the combination, substantially as described,

of the rotating electrode-arm E, adjustable on the ratchet-wheel D, the electro-magnet F in the main line, the swinging armature F, carrying the actuating-pawl f, the mechanical train having revolving electrode G, the starting-levers L K K, cast-off levers n N N, and the signal-actuating electro-magnet O P, the line connections or studs WV IV, and the conductors mtzrnarranged substantially as shown, and for the purposes described.

13. In an electrical call apparatus, a mechanical train, B, governed by a revolving fan, 0, without escapenient devices, andcarrying an electrode formed as revolving segmental disk, in combination with a counterelectrode formed as flat spring, and adapted to make contact at its end upon the peripheral surface of said disk, and a stop device for releasing and arresting the movement of said train, in the manner substantially as hereinbefore set forth.

Witness my hand this 17th day of March, A. D. 1883.

ALBERT P. HOlVES.

Witnesses:

CHAS. H. BURLEIGH, Enw. R. GATES. 

